CENAP REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr.152
Volume/Date: 10.88 (October 1988)
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Price: DM 3,90
Cover Headline: KANAL zum ICH-KOSMOS (Channel to the I-Cosmos)

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated October 1988, focuses heavily on the New Age movement and the phenomenon of channeling, exploring its spiritual, esoteric, and UFOlogical dimensions. The cover features a striking image of a meditating figure, symbolizing inner exploration and connection.

KANAL ZUM ICH-KOSMOS (Channel to the I-Cosmos)

This section, authored by Werner Walter, introduces channeling as a new variant of European occultism and the New Age scene. It details a 'Channeling-Konferenz' held from June 15-19, 1988, in Murnau am Starnberger See, organized by the HORUS-Institut under Dr. Thomas Pfeiffer. The event, costing 350 DM, attracted between 600-800 participants and featured Michael Hesemann, publisher of 'Postille 2000'. Due to its success, a follow-up 'Channeling-Konferenz' was planned for December 1-4, 1988, in Bad Homburg v.d.H., organized by the WORLD INSTITUTE OF LIGHT, associated with Andreas Schneider.

The article questions the relevance of channeling for UFO researchers unless it involves contacts with high spiritual teachers or ancient thinkers. However, it notes the resurgence of 'medial UFOlogy' with figures like RAUMKOMMANDER ASTHAR SHERAN re-emerging. The author urges readers to be prepared for this development and examines the 'New Age' climate where this 'channeling work' takes place.

New Age - Zeitwende oder Selbstbetrug (New Age - Turn of the Era or Self-Deception)

Authored by Heinz F. Schöller and summarized from 'PERRY RHODAN REPORT Nr.160', this article critically examines the New Age phenomenon. It aims to provide critical insights for the discerning reader, separating the wheat from the chaff within this multifaceted movement. The author questions whether the paradigms of New Age are truly new.

1. Geistige Grundlagen des New Age (Spiritual Foundations of New Age)

The article identifies two main foundations: the 'INTEGRIERTE WELTSICHT' (Integrated Worldview), which seeks new scientific insights for a holistic description of the world, and 'Esoterik' (Esotericism), derived from the Greek word for 'esoteros' meaning 'secret' or 'hidden'. Esotericism is characterized as a secret science accessible only to initiates, with astrology cited as a classic example.

2. Ziele des New Age (Goals of New Age)

The primary goals of New Age are described as contentment, personal happiness, an ecologically sound world, and participation in a global spirit and peace. These are presented as the outcomes of a 'Transformation' – a change in personal and societal thinking. Marylin Ferguson is cited as suggesting that power is shifting from 'dying systems' to 'living networks' through societal transformation. This requires personal transformation via techniques like meditation, rebirthing, and body therapies. The concept of a 'critical mass' of transformed individuals influencing the global spirit through morphogenetic fields (Sheldrake's theory) is mentioned as a path to world peace.

3. Allgemeine Kennzeichen des New Age (General Characteristics of New Age)

• Several characteristics are outlined:
• a) Impersonal Divine Force: The assumption of an impersonal force pervading all existence, referred to as 'God' in a pantheistic sense.
• b) Human Divinity: Humans share in this divine principle and are ultimately 'God'.
• c) Spiritual Reality: True reality lies in the divine spirit, not the material world, and connection can be made through magical techniques.
• d) Spiritual Union: Individual and collective salvation are achieved through spiritual union with the divine via rituals and techniques like mantras.
• e) Evil as Separation: Evil is defined as the state of 'non-oneness' with the divine, a lack of enlightenment ('Initiation').
• f) Reincarnation: The cycle of lives is a core tenet, with 'Thanatology' (study of death) gaining prominence.

4. New Age – der neue und einzige Weg? (New Age – The New and Only Way?)

The author notes similarities between New Age spirituality and Gnosticism, both positing an impersonal God accessible through self-effort. This 'self-salvation' is deemed an ancient human error. In contrast, Christian faith relies on God's grace through Christ. The seemingly boundless optimism of New Age is rooted in self-overestimation. The article suggests that New Age offers little that is truly new and advocates for a critical, distanced approach.

• The author provides further points for consideration:
• a) Reaction to Modern Society: New Age spirituality is a reaction to historical structures and modern societal patterns, particularly materialism and the resulting lack of meaning. Future 'new ideas' may supersede New Age.
• b) Not Everything is New Age: Emphasizes the importance of individual critical thought and engagement with other 'paths to salvation'.

EM-Vorfälle (EM Incidents)

This section reports on 441 cases from 29 countries since 1909 where UFO encounters were linked to vehicle engine failures or electromagnetic system malfunctions. The study, by the 'Center for UFO Studies', indicates that 74% of these incidents occurred in rural areas, over half lasted longer than four minutes, and in 24% of cases, UFOs landed. Humanoids were sighted in 12% of cases. Astrophysicist Mark Rodeghier is quoted, asserting the credibility of witnesses reporting these 'EM-Vorfälle'.

Personalien (Personal News)

• This section includes brief notes:
• Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh: Facing difficulties with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regarding his application for permanent residency in the United States.
• Johannes Zeisel: Celebrated his 60th birthday. He is a long-time author for 'Esotera' magazine, known for his work in mysticism.

Praktische Beispiele selbst- und fremdbestimmter Meditation (Practical Examples of Self- and Other-Determined Meditation)

This article, by Marc Kuhn, discusses the broad spectrum of meditation practices. It distinguishes between meditation that leads to self-determination and that which leads to being enslaved by external influences. True meditation is described as being in deep harmony with oneself.

Führung aus dem Selbst (Leadership from Within)

This piece, also by Marc Kuhn, highlights 'Meditation' as the central key to accessing the 'New Age' self. It differentiates meditation from mere self-help techniques and emphasizes its role in achieving inner peace and self-awareness, contrasting it with external influences that can lead to becoming a 'slave'.

Die wahren Abenteuer sind im Kopf (The True Adventures Are in the Head)

This segment reflects on the human need for meaning and belonging, especially in times of societal upheaval. It critiques the commercialization of spiritual offerings and the search for 'alternatives' to traditional religions. The article touches upon the idea of creating one's own reality through conscious thought and imagination, referencing Jane Roberts' 'SETH-MATERIAL'.

UNGLAUBLICHE GESCHICHTEN: CHANNELING! (Incredible Stories: Channeling!)

This extensive section details the 'Channeling-Konferenz' in Murnau. It lists numerous alleged 'spirit guides' and 'channels' who participated, including Rhea Powers, Janet McClure, Dr. Frank Alpers, and Dr. Fred Bell. The event is described as an 'energy happening' and a 'small sales exhibition' of books, crystals, and music cassettes. The article notes that 'Esotera' magazine also covered the movement, questioning the source of channeled messages.

The conference is characterized by a 'Hollywood spotlight' and 'divine light'. The 'channel' is portrayed as a 'prominent personality' in the New Age movement, using public relations to gain attention. The event is described as having a 'cult of personality' and 'veneration of the chosen message deliverers', with excessive self-congratulation.

The article mentions that RTL broadcasted a segment on channeling in their show 'Unglaubliche Geschichten'. The concept of 'channeling' is explained as being a 'transformer for a foreign intelligence' or a 'channel for messages from other dimensions'. Frank Alpers, a New York businessman, is described as a 'channel' with a style resembling a showman and lay preacher.

Andreas zeichnete die UFO-Wesen, mit denen er Kontakt gehabt haben will (Andreas drew the UFO beings with whom he claims to have had contact)

This section discusses Andreas Schneider, a figure previously associated with 'BRAVO' magazine, who has returned to UFOlogy. He is now involved with Michael Hesemann in publishing '2000' magazine and organizing 'Channeling-Workshops'. The text suggests a commercial aspect to these activities, with workshops costing DM 250 and private sessions available. Hesemann claims that at the Murnau event, there was a 'first direct contact with extraterrestrials' and a UFO was sighted.

EIN BLICK AUF UNSICHTBARE FREUNDE (A Look at Invisible Friends)

This article explores the concept of 'spirit helpers' or 'invisible friends', referencing the book 'GEISTHELFER' by Laeh Maggie Garfield and Jack Grant. It discusses how individuals turn to these entities for guidance, especially when traditional religions fail to provide answers to existential questions or during personal crises. The author notes the commercialization of such services and the potential for dependency on these imagined entities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the New Age movement, channeling, and UFO phenomena, often intertwined. The editorial stance appears critical, particularly towards the commercialization and unsubstantiated claims within the New Age and channeling circles, while acknowledging the human search for meaning and spiritual connection. The magazine aims to provide a critical analysis of these phenomena, distinguishing between genuine exploration and what it perceives as self-deception or exploitation.

This issue of PSYCHOLOGIE HEUTE, dated August 1988, delves into the intersection of psychology, the paranormal, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the question, "HAT DER WAHN AUCH SINN?" (Does Delusion Make Sense?), indicating a focus on the nature of reality and perception. The magazine includes articles on schizophrenia, UFO sightings, and emerging aviation technologies.

Schizophrenia and Channeling

The issue begins with an exploration of schizophrenia, drawing parallels between its symptoms and the experiences of individuals who engage in 'channeling.' The article posits that feelings of uncertainty, childhood fantasies, internal voices, and the attempt to systematize unusual experiences might resonate with aspects of schizophrenic thought processes. It emphasizes that this comparison is for reflection and not a definitive diagnosis of 'channels' as schizophrenic. The text notes that experiences of channeling, daydreams, and nightmares are central to ufology and the broader channeling phenomenon. Overlaps are observed in the work of individuals like Wolfgang Zönnchen, who functions as a medium and also presents at ufological congresses. The article suggests that the 'channeling' phenomenon, and even UFO abduction stories, might stem from the victims' own fantasies and daydreams, which then manifest as creative output, rather than solely from external experiences.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO sightings and the subsequent investigations, primarily in Germany. Several articles detail incidents where police pursued unidentified flying objects. One prominent case involves multiple sightings of a luminous object over Munich between August 8th and 17th, 1988. Police, including patrol cars and a helicopter, attempted to intercept the object, which was described as a "boomerang-shaped" craft with white or beige covering and a pilot seated in a tube-like structure. The object repeatedly evaded capture and was eventually suspected to be an ultralight aircraft. The article "Polizei: Ein UFO kreiste um den Alten Peter" from the Süddeutsche Zeitung on August 21st, 1988, highlights the police's frustration and the object's evasive maneuvers around Munich landmarks.

Another report from the Abendzeitung on August 19th, 1988, "Polizisten jagten UFO von München bis Rosenheim," details a similar chase that extended from Munich to Rosenheim. The object was described as a brightly lit, trapezoidal craft. The police suspected it to be an ultralight aircraft or a gas balloon, violating night flight regulations and minimum altitude requirements.

A report from the Bergsträßer Anzeiger on August 18th, 1988, "UFO über Auerbach? Galaktischer Tourismus bleibt aus," discusses an incident near Auerbach where a luminous object was sighted. The SUFOF (Stuttgarter UFO-Forschungsgruppe) investigated, suggesting natural explanations. The object was eventually identified as a party balloon.

The Nordsee-Zeitung on October 20th, 1988, mentions a "UFO" sighted over Munich's houses, again leading to a police pursuit that was unsuccessful. The object was described as a boomerang-shaped structure with delta wings.

Page 5 features reports from France, including an "OVNI au-dessus du Pflixbourg?" where a luminous object was observed. Investigations by the Meyenheim air base and Colmar control tower found no record of aircraft activity, leading to speculation about natural phenomena like Venus or Jupiter.

Page 8 includes a report about a "brennenden UFO an der Ruhr" (burning UFO on the Ruhr river), which turned out to be a false alarm, with police suspecting a party balloon or a weather balloon.

Aviation Technology Innovations

The issue also highlights advancements in aviation technology. An article titled "Pfeilschnelle Schwebemobile zu Wasser und zu Land" (Arrow-fast Hovering Vehicles on Water and Land) introduces two innovative vehicles. One is a flying boat inspired by pelicans, designed by Günter W. Jörg, capable of reaching 135 km/h with low fuel consumption. The other is a flying car, the "Zwergfalke 300" (Little Falcon 300), developed by Paul Moller, inspired by hummingbirds. This vehicle is designed to fit in a garage, hover over driveways, and take off vertically, with a projected speed of 600 km/h. The article notes the safety features, including parachutes in case of engine failure.

Astrowarnung

A section titled "ASTROWARNUNG: OKTOBER 1988" by Roland Horn provides astronomical information for October 1988, including planetary positions (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and meteor showers (Delta-Draconids, Orionids).

MYSTERIA Magazine

A section introduces the magazine "MYSTERIA," a specialized publication focusing on historical research and extraterrestrial life. It aims to provide scientific contributions and perspectives on topics such as pre-astronautics and ufology. The section also lists several available publications from MYSTERIA, including books on "Extraterrestrial Life and Stamps," "The Religious Center of the Pfaffenwinkel," "Captured in Time and Space," "They Come from Other Worlds," "The Interplanetary Contacts of Albertus Magnus," and "The Epoch of Angels."

Cultural Assimilation of UFO Phenomena

An article discusses the cultural assimilation of UFO phenomena, citing research by Joseph K. Long and others. It suggests that the descriptions of 'humanoids' in UFO reports often align with cultural archetypes, with similar distributions of dwarf-like, human-like, and giant figures reported globally. The article posits that media portrayals and cultural frameworks influence how these experiences are interpreted, leading to a 'modern folklore' of UFO encounters. It also touches upon the religious interpretations of such events, noting how similar phenomena can be perceived as either extraterrestrial or divine depending on the observer's cultural background.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of perception, the blurring lines between reality and delusion, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded stance, presenting various perspectives on UFO sightings and paranormal experiences. While acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, there is a clear emphasis on seeking rational and scientific explanations, as seen in the discussions of ultralight aircraft and planetary observations. The editorial stance appears to favor a grounded approach, encouraging skepticism while remaining open to the possibility of the unknown, particularly when supported by evidence and scientific inquiry. The inclusion of articles on schizophrenia and the cultural interpretation of events suggests a broader interest in the psychological and sociological aspects of belief systems and extraordinary experiences.